Saddleback Caterpillar - DO NOT TOUCH
by Debbie Portwood
Title
Saddleback Caterpillar - DO NOT TOUCH
Artist
Debbie Portwood
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Found this interesting caterpillar on an elm leaf. He is very colorful and interesting but I am glad I did not touch him!!
Wikipedia - The saddleback caterpillar, Acharia stimulea (formerly Sibine stimulea), is the larva of a species of moth native to eastern North America. It is also found in Mexico and Central America and possibly in the northern part of South America. The species belongs to the family of slug caterpillars, Limacodidae.
The caterpillar is primarily green with brown at either end and a prominent white-ringed brown dot in the center which resembles a saddle. It has a pair of fleshy horns at either end. These and most of the rest of the body bear urticating hairs that secrete an irritating venom. Contact with the hairs causes a painful, swollen rash and sometimes nausea in humans. The hairs should be removed from the skin immediately to prevent more venom spread. The cocoon may also have irritating hairs and hairs from the larva can fall on surrounding objects.
The larva feeds on a large variety of plants. In Florida and Alabama in the United States, it feeds on ornamental palms such as the Manila palm (Adonidia merrillii).
The adult is a dark brown, stout-bodied moth.
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March 6th, 2018
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